Hoyt pleads guilty to felony murder

Jacob Hoyt, 20, will not be going to jury trial in the death of Augusta resident Loyce Cody on Dec. 5, 2011.

Comment

By Julie Clements/El Dorado Times

Butler County Times Gazette

By Julie Clements/El Dorado Times

Posted Jan. 12, 2013 at 9:30 AM
Updated Jan 12, 2013 at 9:33 AM

By Julie Clements/El Dorado Times

Posted Jan. 12, 2013 at 9:30 AM
Updated Jan 12, 2013 at 9:33 AM

El Dorado

Jacob Hoyt, 20, will not be going to jury trial in the death of Augusta resident Loyce Cody on Dec. 5, 2011.

Hoyt accepted a plea deal with the state on the amended charge of felony murder in the first degree, being amended from premeditated murder in the first degree. In addition, the remaining charges were dismissed.

Hoyt acknowledged the rights he was giving up by entering a guilty plea.

With the plea, the state recommended a sentence of life in prison, with him being eligible for parole after 20 years.

Judge Mike Ward explained a felony murder is committed when someone is killed in the commission of or flight from a dangerous felony, in this case aggravated burglary.

Hoyt admitted to going to his grandmother's home on Dec. 5 and committing an aggravated burglary, where they stole property.

"You admit during the commission of this burglary that you participated in her death?" Ward asked.

After a short pause, Hoyt answered, "Yes, Your Honor."

Ward also explained that because Hoyt is eligible for parole after 20 years, that did not mean he would be grated parole.

"You may never be granted that," Ward told him.

Before accepting Hoyt's plea, Ward asked if there was anything else Hoyt wanted to say.

"What I did was horrible and I know that there is no way I can take it back," he said. "I know certain things happened that shouldn't have happened and things got out of control that night, but I am truly sorry for what I did. I am pleading guilty to this because I feel like I am guilty."

Ward said he would accept the guilty plea and ordered a pre-sentence investigation report.

"This was a horrible crime Mr. Hoyt and you acknowledge that and you will be sentenced accordingly," Ward said.

Hoyt glanced around at family members in the courtroom with tears in his eyes.